Babin officially becomes a Titan

Jason Babin officially became a Tennessee Titan on Friday as the Philadelphia Eagles declined to match the one-year, $1 million offer for the free agent defensive end.

Babin’s previous contract with the Eagles had a right of first refusal written in it by the Eagles, despite his being an unrestricted free agent.

“We’re happy our deal with Jason worked out,” Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said. “He’s a high-energy player and a good pass rusher, and he fits what we do very well. He has all offseason to come in and work with Coach Washburn and become a part of our rotation at defensive end.”

Babin had 2.5 sacks for the Eagles as a reserve last year and should compete for a spot on the Titans defensive end rotation along with Jacob Ford, Dave Ball and William Hayes.

The Titans won’t owe Philadelphia any compensation as a result of signing Babin. Babin was relieved to have the deal finalized.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much because the Eagles had the right to match the offer, and I didn’t know what they’d do,” Babin said. “I’m ecstatic right now. I can’t wait to get in there, start working out with the team and go through the offseason with Coach [Jim] Washburn and the other players and coaches there. The style of defense the Titans play, as far as what the defensive line does and the way they want their guys to play, it suits my abilities. They get wide, they come off the ball, they rush the passer, and they’re aggressive. To me, it’s just a natural fit.”

Babin (6-3, 267) has played seven NFL seasons, compiling 197 tackles and 17.5 sacks in 66 career games. Last season in Philadelphia, he played in 12 contests and notched 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks.